In general, people think that image consultants have their personal style always in check. This is a misconception. Once in a while, at least for myself, we do go through Style Crises. I started 2015, the year I will turn 55, experiencing a micro crisis - asking myself: Should I revamp my style? What needs to be changed?
This past month I have been looking at what I have in my closet and decided to remove all the deadwood, and practice what I preach to my clients:
1. If it is older than 6 years, OUT!
2. If I have not touched it for a year, OUT!
3. If you don't feel good in it, OUT!
Perhaps this exercise would give me the answer to what I have been feeling but have not been able to put into words. I have always been the type of person that likes to follow rules. It made sense and was straight-forward, at least until now. But, my rebellious moment arrived, and with it the opportunity to break rules. A few pieces were easy to remove because I really do not feel good wearing them and, despite my micro crises, they do not resonate at all with who I am. In addition, I will not be going to Hawaii any time soon. However, I definitely struggled in applying the 6-year and the not-touched rules.
I started asking myself "why?" Why should I get rid of a twenty year old, adorable short boxy jacket when several designers featured similar items in their Pre-Fall 2015 collections, or of the timeless Italian ensemble my husband's grandmother passed on to me? To my great surprise, not much would be left if I removed everything that is over 6 years old. Sounds crazy but it is the truth.
So. here is my plan of action so far for my closet and me for 2015:
1. Middle age! When you less expect it, it hits you and you just cannot control it. It is a wave of emotions and physical changes. I will have to sit still, wait, and not panic. Change is in the air (and in my body), and until it becomes clear to me which direction I should go in, I will not move.
2. For now, I will keep what I have in my closet including the "older than six years" and the "not-touched" pieces. I will exercise my creativity and give the old a new face. I have plenty to play with, to be creative, and explore new mix & match combinations, change buttons, and re-shape pieces.
3. Now that I have assessed my closet, it will be much easier to shop if I WANT to add something new knowing that I do not really NEED anything.
Oh NO! Is this the change? To come to the realization that I really do not need any major change? Having my closet with timeless pieces, and feeling homey in any piece I wear? I think I am on the right path...
Happy 2015!